Metro Rail News team Conducted an email interview with Mr Dipankar Ghosh on the outskirts of IREE 2023 that entails the profile of the company Knorr Bremse, which he holds the reins of. This interview aims to explore the latest innovations and technologies ushered by Knorr Bremse in the Indian mobility sector, with special emphasis on Railways. Thai interview also unravels the commitment of the company towards sustainability and an environmentally friendly approach to business.
Mr Dipankar Ghosh, MD of Knorr Bremse India and Chairman of the Railway Equipment Division of CII possesses 30+ years of diverse experience encompassing manufacturing, engineering management, and business development. As an ex-IRSEE officer and former CEO of Escorts Railways Division, he led major global initiatives, facilitating technology transfers and adopting frugal innovation strategies. Holding a postgraduate engineering degree from BITS Pilani and a management qualification from the Indian School of Business, he is also an Advanced Global Leadership alumnus of the London School of Economics. Mr. Ghosh is passionate about new technologies and a dedicated proponent of value engineering.
Here are the edited excerpts:
Q1: How is the concept of smart transportation becoming a reality with Knorr Braking Systems? What key developments are being made in braking systems for autonomous vehicles and driving?
The smart mobility field is distinct from other transportation sectors. It encompasses a concept known as mobility as a service (MaaS), which offers end-to-end mobility solutions that connect the first and last mile through various mobility aggregators, consolidators, and transportation modes, such as electric vehicles, regular automobiles, and public transportation systems like metros and railways. Our presence in the rail vehicle segment, including metros, RRTS, and urban transit systems, and in the commercial vehicle division, where we manufacture brake systems, enables us to provide innovative braking solutions to our customers in the mobility industry. We strive to stay ahead of the curve, developing new solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients, depending on their location and the nature of their mobility requirements. However, it is worth noting that mobility is a much broader concept that encompasses a variety of transportation modes, and our braking systems, doors, and HVAC systems play a crucial role in the commercial vehicle and rail vehicle segments, including RRTS and other related modes of transportation.
Q2: Knorr Bremse is renowned for manufacturing cutting-edge braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles. How are you expanding your capacity in India, given your competence and expertise? Can you highlight recent developments?
We are excited to share that we remain highly optimistic about the future of India. As an Indian and avid supporter of the country, we believe that there are great things in store. In terms of our brake systems, we are proud to introduce the latest brake technologies, be it for both Madhapura and normal locomotives or the Vande Bharat. An impressive 32 out of 34 Vande Bharat trains use our KB brake systems. We have also made significant advances in door systems. While the commercial segment may differ slightly, we remain committed to providing top-of-the-line railway solutions.
Q3: What are the major challenges faced in promoting the shift to sustainable transportation, considering the evolving requirements of next-generation mobility?
Ensuring sustainable development is a crucial aspect for us at our multinational company. We are constantly striving to achieve carbon neutrality through our procurement, manufacturing, and overall processes. Our focus on ESG and UNDP SDG goals drives us to implement sustainable processes all over the world. While there is still some way to go in India, we are putting in place systems to achieve these goals, not just in customer processes, but also in our internal and vendor processes. We are determined to meet these sustainable goals as a responsible corporate citizen of the world.
Q4: In your perspective, what defines climate-friendly mobility? How does Knorr Bremse contribute to the development of key drivers for such efforts on a global scale?
The concept of climate-friendly transportation is a complex one and can be achieved in various ways. For instance, in the case of HVAC or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, we are incorporating advanced technologies such as different types of filters and environment-friendly refrigerants. Additionally, we are working with car builders and operators to design high-specific energy control HVACs that can achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) of 2.5 and above, which is higher than the usual 2.0 in India. This will result in a significant reduction in specific energy consumption, thereby helping us meet all the energy goals of the car builder and operator.
Q5: Could you elaborate on Knorr Bremse’s aftermarket activities for the rail industry and how you support high-speed and semi-high-speed rail projects in India?
It is important to note that India has had a unique transition in the rail industry. Until now, India was more focused on spares and the AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) market, where Indian Railways had a lot of people to buy spares and do the work themselves. However, as technology becomes more complex and safety-critical, Indian Railways is now opting for either an AMC where they buy the spares and the company does the AMC for them, or the new tenders which are coming out, such as Vande Bharat, Metros, and locomotives, where they are building in 15-35 years of maintenance into the cost. This means that whoever wins the tender has to take care of the product for the next 15-35 years and accordingly quote for that particular product. KB is a strong player in the rail services market, providing training, spares, and services for electronics and systems that will go in for obsolescence. The future of the rail services market in India is bright, and the government tends to change their buying products from vendors like KB, where they also buy the lifecycle cost calculation, including the maintenance cost for the next 35 years.
Q6: What are your thoughts on Metro Rail News, and what message would you like to convey to our readers?
I believe that Metro Rail News magazine and news portal is playing a significant role in filling up the gap in the overall value chain of information related to the smart mobility industry. The magazine provides authentic and deep insights into the latest happenings, projects, and developments in the industry, which is not available through other sources. The collation of information from different sources and presenting it in a magazine format is a phenomenal service that Metro Rail News is providing to its readers.
I would like to convey my heartfelt appreciation for the efforts put in by Metro Rail News in providing authentic and comprehensive information related to the smart mobility industry. I believe that the magazine is a valuable source of information for anyone who is interested in the latest developments in the industry. Keep up the good work, and I wish the magazine and news portal continued success in the future.
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